Hadleigh: Undercover operation launched in response to spike in burglaries

POLICE have been carrying out an undercover operation in Hadleigh to help curb the rising number of burglaries in the town in recent months.

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There were ten recorded cases of burglary in Hadleigh during October – six of which were in business premises in the High Street. Five of the burglaries took place over two consecutive nights.

In previous months, similar incidencies have occurred in Lady Lane Industrial Estate where there were also three cases of lead theft from roofs. There have also been several reported incidents at a housing estate occupied by Armed Forces families.

At a recent town council meeting, Pc Matt Paisley reassured councillors who were concerned about the apparent hike in crime.

He said: “We have definitely experienced a rise in burglaries throughout October, and the crime figures in the past four weeks would suggest this trend is continuing. CID have been investigating the crimes on the High Street and we have several actions in place to tackle this.

“We have also been carrying out a plain- clothes operation between the hours of 10pm and 4am in the town as a means of crime prevention and reduction.” Councillor David Grutchfield said he was concerned the army estate had been “targeted” after the crime statistics showed the area had been hit by thieves an “abnormally high” number of times.

He added: “The estate is right on the A1071, which I think is one of the biggest contributing factors to the crime there. The families are just seeking some reassurance.”

Pc Paisley said: “Armed services families are used to living in a gated community, so that often makes them a bit more vulnerable.

“We have been working with the MoD and county welfare on a crime prevention package and we are trying to re-educate families, let them know that we are here to help and that they can contact us if they are concerned about anything.”

He confirmed police were working with the fire service to build offender profiles following three recorded arson incidents in Hadleigh during October.

After two further attacks including a car fire in Raven Way and a massive blaze at a fuel storage depot on Lady Lane Industrial Estate last Friday, investigations have been stepped up. Police have also been working with business owners on the estate on crime prevention measures.